Newcastle have several availability issues ahead of the trip to Anfield, with boss Eddie Howe conceding ‘we’re slightly stretched’ at his pre-match press conference.
Bruno Guimaraes is a doubt for the fixture with a hamstring complaint. “He’s doing well. I don’t know about this game coming up but hopefully not far after if he doesn’t make this game,” said Howe.
Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson are also carrying hamstring issues, with Howe saying of the former: “He is a worry for us at the moment.”
Emil Krafth is facing an extended spell on the sidelines due to an ACL injury and former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is out, though Kieran Trippier is expected to be fine to feature against the Reds.
At the time of Howe’s media briefing on Tuesday morning, Newcastle were still awaiting confirmation that new signing Alexander Isak has received clearance to play.
“I don’t know, still don’t know,” said Howe of the striker’s status. “I hope so, I desperately hope so. It would be great to see him involved for us but we’re in the hands still of other people.
“So, desperately hoping that gets done before the game but there’s no guarantee as I sit here now. I think it [the cut-off point] is 75 minutes before kick-off, so it could go down to the wire, we’ll wait and see.”
Our injury list is just the usual suspects.